Founder Spotlight: Guilherme Maia Silva (Força Foods)
Meet Guilherme Maia Silva:
Força Foods introduced MILKish, the world’s first Watermelon SeedMilk — a versatile and creamy milk alternative crafted from a nutrient-rich superfood seed. Not only is it delicious and highly functional, but it also boasts an incredibly low environmental footprint.
Location:
Hayward, California, USA
When did you launch the business?
I launched Força Foods in late 2021; however, MILKish launched in September of 2024.
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Startup Stage?
Seed
What led you to where you are today?
My passion for nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability inspired me to start Força Foods and explore alternatives that I could feel good about — ones that also have a fraction of the environmental impact compared to existing options.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
In a way, I’m glad I dove into entrepreneurship without much prior knowledge or preconceived notions about what the journey would entail. While I always knew it wouldn’t be easy, I didn’t fully understand the depth of the challenges, barriers, and hardships ahead. I approached it with little to no expectations and an open mind, which I believe has shaped me into the founder I am today—one who is constantly open to learning, exploring new options, and staying resilient.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
I think the most difficult decision I've had to make is taking the risk of investing in a new product line like MILKish. As a completely new category — watermelon seed-based milk — we faced significant product development challenges and the risk of investing in the R&D, production, and distribution of a product that had never existed before. It required navigating uncharted territory and overcoming numerous hurdles to bring a completely new idea to market. The process has been a rollercoaster, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the product finally come to life and resonate so well with customers.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
We can help the VEGPRENEUR community by sharing our experience in creating innovative plant-based products and promoting sustainable food solutions. Our journey with MILKish, the world’s first Watermelon SeedMilk, has equipped us with insights into developing eco-friendly and nutritious alternatives. We aim to inspire collaboration, share educational content about the benefits of plant-based superfoods, and help drive consumer awareness for sustainable choices. Together with the VEGPRENEUR community, we can accelerate the shift towards a healthier, more sustainable food system.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
The VEGPRENEUR can support us by continuing to champion healthier and more sustainable diets. Our mission is not only to nourish our customers but also to nourish the planet. We achieve this by crafting innovative, eco-friendly beverages made from watermelon seeds — an incredibly healthy and sustainable superfood. Educating consumers about the importance of choosing 'better-for' alternatives is key to our vision. Alternatives that not only satisfy and promote health but also have a lower environmental impact. The VEGPRENEUR community, along with other plant-based communities, plays a vital role in spreading this message and driving progress within the industry.
Fun fact about you:
I grew up living all around the world in countries like Brazil (my home country), Thailand, India, China, and the United States!
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